BOSS RELISHING HOME BOW

Although he has only been at the Club a week, Mick McCarthy says he already understands why people speak so highly of Ipswich Town.

The former Republic of Ireland boss will take charge of Town for the first time at Portman Road against Burnley on Saturday and he’s relishing it.

“I’m looking forward to it and it would be great to start off with three points, especially as I understand it’s been a fair few months since we’ve had a home league win to celebrate,” Mick told Ipswich Player.

“I’ve been to Portman Road many times before with my previous clubs and there has always been plenty of noise.

“The pitch is great and I’ve seen some very good games here, some exciting games. That is what I want to bring to the Club but the first port of call must be to produce winning football.

“I’ve been here just over a week now and I’m beginning to get a feel for the place. I’m beginning to understand why so many people in football talk so fondly about the place because it is a lovely club.”

Elliott Hewitt is included in the squad to face the Clarets for the first time since he joined the Club from Macclesfield in the summer.

The Wales U21 international, who has undergone surgery on both hips over the last seven months, impressed the boss when playing for Town’s U21s in the defeat by Swansea on Wednesday.

Lee Martin misses out though. The former Manchester United wideman will serve a one match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card against Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
Subscribers to Ipswich Player can watch the full interview with Mick in today’s Kick Off show, with live commentary of the Burnley match available as always. Kick-off at Portman Road is 3.00pm.